Looking to buy or sell a car?

We took all the guess worl out of buying and selling cars. We are going to make your life just that much simpler. We have done all of the research and looked at every pro and con just to make sure you get the right car just for you!

Buying?

Why buy used?

With thousands of cars available, you're sure to find one that suits your needs, and fits your budget right?. And, with the popularity of leasing programs, there are plenty of gently used models to choose from. Buying a used car makes sense financially, because someone else has already paid for the car's most drastic depreciation in value. Now the question is what car is right for me?

Which Car to Buy?

To find the car that fits your lifestyle, ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of this vehicle? Do you have to transport cargo or pets? How many people should it seat comfortably?
• What is your budget? Consider costs to insure and fuel costs associated with the models on your “wish list.”

 

 

What to Ask?

Before you head out to inspect a car, make sure it’s a good prospect, so that you don’t waste your time, or the seller’s.

• If you don’t know, ask for the year, make and mileage.  It is normal for a vehicle to accumulate 16,000 to 20,000 km a year. If there is significantly more or less mileage, ask the owner why.
• What’s the condition of the exterior?  The upholstery? Was it used by a smoker?
• When was the car last emissions tested?
• Do you have the Used Vehicle Information Package?
• What is the VIN? (Dealerships must supply the VIN, by law. Private sellers may not know it, but you can get it at the vehicle inspection)

 

Inspection Checklist

• Your inspection kit: a flashlight for checking under the car, a rag to check fluid levels, a magnet to check for body filler, a notepad and pen
• Bring cash, in case you decide to leave a deposit, and your license for the test drive.
• Tires: check the tread depth with a depth tool, or a penny. It should be 1/16”. Look for any bumps. They may indicate an alignment problem.
• Body: If there is paint on the car’s underbody, or if paint is rough around doors, hood and trunk, it could be a sign of body work. Wrap your magnet in a cloth and run it over the body to look for signs of non-magnetic filler.
• Suspension: push down on one corner of the car several times until it bounces. Step back. The car should settle in 2 cycles without too much noise, although there will be some squeaking. Repeat on all 4 corners.
• Interior: check if there is any mildew on the carpet or upholstery– it probably means there’s a leak somewhere.
• Features: test everything – windows, locks, keys, sound system, windshield wipers, signals, open and close the doors and trunk to make sure they align properly with the frame.
• Under the hood: new oil is a honey brown colour, clean transmission fluid is pinkish, and coolant should be greenish. Belts and hoses should not feel hard or brittle. Look for corrosion on the battery
• Have a mechanic you trust inspect the vehicle. If the seller is reluctant to let you do this, be wary. Ask the mechanic to check that all the VINs match, with no signs of tampering.

 

 

Test Drives

• Make sure there’s leg and head room for driver and passenger. Sit in the rear seat to see how much room there is. Look at the controls and placement of the vents, radio etc. Are they easy to use and reach?
• Put the car in neutral and rev the engine. Look for signs of black or white smoke.
• Drive the car at different speeds and conditions – city and highway driving, and parking maneuverability. Be sure to try reverse, too.
• Test the brakes. Come to a full, hard stop, from about 50km, and pay attention to any noises or pulling to the left or right

 

Selling?

What we cant stress enough make sure your car is reasonalbly priced. people think their car is worth more then it actually is so do a little investigation, look around ask people or just lower what you think your car is worth. Theres no harm in putting a high price then saying or best offer, people think this will get you nothing or people saying they will give you way less then what you want but this is not true if you have someone interested then they will give you a little bit lower then what you actually want but thats ok its better then nothing and then from there you can make deals with them.

When the you have someone coming to look at your car make sure you are honest with them dont say everything perfect unless you are 100% sure that everything is perfect. Tell them the goods and bads, no this is not going to hurt you unless you lied to them in the first place and the car is a heap of the week and you way over priced it, but we are telling you all this for this dosent happen.

Next make sure you have everything ready all the paper work and if you have them the maintenece records for the car. if you dont have some of the paperwork just tell them what you have done on a regular basis.